THE LIVING WORLD. 
411 
resemble little fluffy goslings, and are frequently carried on the back of the 
parent, and. left swimming on the water when the parent dives. 
The Giant Penguin, or King Penguin (. Aptenodytes patagonica), is about 
three feet in length, bluish-black above and satiny-white below. Its habits are 
such as have been described when discussing the crested gorfou. It is very 
numerous in Patagonia and in the Falkland Islands, and is frequently mentioned 
by explorers and sailors. 
The Pelican {Pelicanus ) has, as the reader will have discovered, been praiged 
for qualities which belong quite as much to the eider duck, the whale, and vari¬ 
ous other creatures, whose affectionate self-sacrifice for their young is quite 
touching to one’s sentiments. To the family belong the tropic bird , the darters 
or snake-birds , the gannets , the cormorants and the true pelicans. The gregari¬ 
ousness, beautiful plumage and striking appearance of the pelicans always attract 
the attention of those who visit lower Europe and Asia, or Africa, and of those 
who go to our museums of natural history and to our zoological gardens. 
Were it not for its head, bill and pouch, the pelican might be mistaken for a 
GREAT auk (Alea nupennis). penguins (Aptenodytes patagonica). 
species of goose. The pouch will hold about fifteen pounds of fish, and, when 
the pelican has filled his game-bag, he would be free from the necessity 
for further effort, except for the fact that he is imposed upon by a species 
of hawk. This cunning creature, too indolent to catch his own fish, keeps 
watch upon the pelican , and when the latter retires after a day’s sport, attacks 
him and, as he opens his mouth, snatches the fish from it. The American 
White Pelican (. Pelicanus erythrorhyncus ) is common in the Mississippi Valley;, 
the Brown Pelican is also found about Southern shores of the United 
States consorting with the white species. Pelicans are strong swimmers and 
excellent flyers. It is found associated especially with the flamingo, as one 
often sees a blonde and brunette cultivating companionship. Montgomery is 
still popular with readers of English poetry, and it will therefore be un¬ 
necessary to more than refer to the homes of the pelicans , as these are so 
graphically described in the “ Pelican Island.” The pelican was known 
long enough ago to receive mention in the Bible, so that its lineage is at least 
ancient. 
